Thursday, March 28, 2013

Over the years, hundreds of feature films and TV movies have been inspired by the Bible. From Ben Hur to Passion of the Christ, we will count down some of the most memorable biblical tales to blow us away on screen.

From Executive Producers Mark Burnett (The Voice, Survivor) and Roma Downey (Touched by an Angel) comes The Bible — an epic 10-hour miniseries, coming to Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD April 2 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Breathtaking in scope and scale, THE BIBLE features powerful performances, exotic locales and dazzling visual effects that breathe spectacular life into the dramatic tales of faith and courage from Genesis through Revelation.

Ben Hur

This epic film follows Judah Ben-Hur (Charlton Heston), a rich Jewish prince who is betrayed and sent into slavery by his Roman friend Messala (Stephen Boyd). The prince somehow survives and returns to Jerusalem in the hopes of finding his family and exacting revenge on his one-time friend. This biblical tale won 11 Academy Awards in 1960 including Best Picture.

Passion of the Christ

Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ depicts the last twelve hours of Jesus’ life, including the betrayal and crucifixion. The film begins in the Garden of Gethsemane and follows Jesus as he is arrested, tried and sentenced to death on the cross. The film holds nothing back and includes a graphic and disturbing depiction of Jesus being tortured and whipped. This intense depiction of Jesus’ final hours was nominated for three Academy Awards including Best Original Score.

The Prince of Egypt

This 1998 DreamWorks animation tells the story of Moses, a Hebrew who becomes an Egyptian prince, only to flee Egypt and return to free the Hebrew people. This film about power and plagues had an all-star cast including Val Kilmer, Ralph Feinnes and Danny Glover, and won an Academy Award for Best Song for Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston’s song ‘When You Believe’.

Evan Almighty

Evan Almighty follows Evan Baxter (Steve Carrell) as his life is turned upside-down. Evan thinks his life is going well until he is visited by God (Morgan Freeman), who asks him to build an ark. Although initially resistant, Evan eventually agrees, and despite the ridicule and criticism of his friends and peers Evan follows God’s commands with hilarious consequences. Evan Almighty is the sequel to Bruce Almighty and provides a healthy dose of laughter to the famous Bible story.

Monty Python’s Life of Brian

This classic comedy film from Monty Python is based on the Gospels and the life of Jesus. In this version of the well-known Biblical stories, a normal man named Brian is mistaken for the Messiah, with hysterical consequences. This comical take on the life of Christ became an instant cult-hit, despite being banned in countries such as Norway and Ireland.

The Seventh Sign

This tense drama references the book of Revelation. The film begins as signs of the apocalypse seem to follow in the wake of a mysterious wanderer (Jürgen Prochnow). Father Lucci (Peter Friedman), the Vatican Emissary assigned to investigate, dismisses the occurrences as natural, but Abby Quinn (Demi Moore), a young American woman, has reason to fear they're real and that the unfolding events may spell disaster for her unborn children.

Doing this list has just made me want to get to these even more!! I'm also horrible for buying series' that I have yet to read. I bought the first 4 books in The Pretty Little Liars series, but have yet to read one..The list goes on with 'To Be Read' series' as well!

On April 21, 2008, Steven "Crash" Crashinsky saved more than a thousand people when he stopped his classmate David Burnett from taking their high school hostage armed with assault weapons and high-powered explosives. You likely already know what came after for Crash: the nationwide notoriety, the college recruitment, and, of course, the book deal. What you might not know is what came before: a story of two teens whose lives have been inextricably linked since grade school, who were destined, some say, to meet that day in the teachers' lounge of Meadows High. And what you definitely don't know are the words that Burn whispered to Crash right as the siege was ending, a secret that Crash has never revealed.

Until now.

Michael Hassan's shattering novel is a tale of first love and first hate, the story of two high school seniors and the morning that changed their lives forever. It's a portrait of the modern American teenage male, in all his brash, disillusioned, oversexed, schizophrenic, drunk, nihilistic, hopeful, ADHD-diagnosed glory. And it's a powerful meditation on how normal it is to be screwed up, and how screwed up it is to be normal.

I don't do a rating system anymore. I thought "If someone sees that I rated a book 4 stars, then they won't continue to read the review" Well this is the first time since I took away my rating system, that I just wanted to post a giant 5 star rating and explain to all of you why this book was, in every sense of the word utterly amazing!

It's been a while since I've read a novel that was almost entirely character based. Yes, there is a main storyline taking place in the novel, but it more so surrounds the characters, their stories and how they all connect into the main event. Michael Hassan crafted each character so precisely. Each character has such different personalities. Not one blended into the other.

Let's talk about Steven "Crash" Crashinsky; One of the most real, well written teenage characters I think I have ever read. We all come across characters that we adore, but sometimes there is something unrealistic or sugar coated with them. Not the case with Crash, he is raw, uncensored...Just real. The author didn't sugar coat one moment with Crash. He swears, smokes weed, hooks up with girls...He is vulnerable and deep down, good hearted. There were moments with Crash were you can see his real self, stripped down; Fear, anxiety, anger.

Now it's David "Burn" Burnett's turn. He is truly one unforgettable character. Both Crash and Burn will leave an impact on you in one way or another. There were moments where my heart ached for David. Then there were moments where I was terrified and he actually made my spine tingle!

Crash and Burn takes place over a span of time of about 10 years. From the moment David and Steven meet in elementary school till the moment Steven saves the school in 2008. The novel touches on many subjects, 9/11, sex, drugs, mental illness, etc. It definitely packs a lot of punch! But it is packaged so well, that it seems that every single part of this novel was necessary. Every moment of each characters story was needed to get the full effect!

It is almost shocking that this is Michael Hassan's debut novel. From his writing style in Crash and Burn he pens like a seasoned writer. Crash and Burn is a modern classic; a book with longevity. We are going to be seeing this one stocked along side the literary classics 20 years from now!

Crash and Burn is a good sized novel, but don't let the size fool you. This is one you will lose all sense of time with! If I didn't have to stop to eat, work and sleep I would have devoured this novel in one sitting!

Monday, March 11, 2013

Peanut Butter bars, pancake muffins and danish's, oh my!

This is not your typical Crazy Bookworm review but when I was presented with the chance to review The Six Sisters' Stuff recipe and craft book, I COULD NOT say no!

I have been an reader of their website for quite some time now, and have indulged in many of their delicious recipes and crafts. Having made their Christmas Ornament Wreath just this December!

I am not only a bookworm, my fellow readers; My Pinterest boards can attest to my baking/cooking/crafting side!

Having tried a fair share of their simple, yet extremely delicious recipes, I'd have to say my ultimate favourite were the Peanut Butter Bars. They were so much better than a dainty Reese's Peanut Butter cup. You get the same scrumptious taste but so much more in quantity and quality!

They offer this delicatable recipe on their website, but you'll be missing out on so much more if you don't purchase this book! Got a crafty side, want to dip your fingers in some easy baking? Or toss together a yummy meal for the whole family in a snap? Than Six Sisters' Stuff is the book for you...In fact, it's the book you need. Not only is it loaded with the yummiest, mouth watering recipes you'll ever come across(and did I mention they are a breeze to whip up. That's right, no outrageous ingredients or contraptions needed!) You will also get some of the most gorgeous crafts that you can make with your kids, decorate your home, or give to someone as a gift.

Bored? Don't fret! The Six Sisters' Stuff is also packed with Date Night Ideas, Road Trip ideas for kids, fun and easy indoor activities to do with your family and so much more!

It's hard not to sound like an infomercial when talking about this book, but it's true. This book was truly...well, it was truly awesome!

You'd be missing out on a whole lot if you pass up this book. Spring is in the air, and it's time to get out of those winter blues and have some fun. Kick off spring with The Six Sisters' Stuff. You won't be sorry!

Welcome!

Hi! I'm Cathy and I'm the creator of this little space on the internet. By day, I am a Yoga instructor and by night I am an avid reader and a book blogger.

Like all book bloggers, I created this website to have a platform to rant or rave about the latest book I just read, book trends, and more! As much as this space is for me, it is for you! I work to better this little website every day so you enjoy your visit!